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Assuming it is the base 2015, with integrated graphics, I would get 7-8 hours out of a Mid-2014; the 2015 was rated to have 9 hours of life.

Obviously it depends on a LOT of factors, but the two big ones are screen brightness and what you're doing with it. If you need to constantly run the CPU at 80-90%, you'll get a couple of hours; if you're doing Office, the web, etc., you'll get more like 9-10 (assuming brightness set at about half, which is where I set it).

Hope that helps.

That sure does help. I will only need the battery to last 8-9 hours when I am using Word and researching stuff online. As stated earlier, I probably will never be doing anything taxing. If it can do word processing, a movie here and there and web browsing and still last 8 hours, then I am sold
 
That sure does help. I will only need the battery to last 8-9 hours when I am using Word and researching stuff online. As stated earlier, I probably will never be doing anything taxing. If it can do word processing, a movie here and there and web browsing and still last 8 hours, then I am sold
Well, there's always the iPad...
 
Indeed. With my bag of adapters, or a dock, I can use them. Without, I can't use a single one of them. Gee...it's like that was the first point I made...

Um, no. You do realize that there is a third and CHEAPER option? USB-X to USB-C cables. I got a USB-A to USB-C cable for $2 from MonoPrice.
 
I'm jumping the ship, 5th return and the new one going to bee a Lenovo T460s WQHD screen.
Sorry Apple but you have been losing me for 3 years.
 
To the both of you: I have almost decided on the 2015 15". Last important question: What can I expect from the battery life? I see articles written that I will get close to 10 hours and other users saying it is more like 4-5.


If it is the latter, I simply cannot go with the 15". I will be away from home up to ten hours a day and thus a longer battery life is essential. I could probably live with 8-9 hours if the 15" is capable of that. What are your experiences?
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Normal use about 6 to 7 hours. Heavier use is around 5.

Honestly, that is enough time away from the main. Eapecially if your workflow is mostly in office or library .
 
Nope. Never. That is one Apple product I will never purchase
Seems like exactly what you'd make the most use out of, though -- long battery life, easy to carry, handles the tasks that you mentioned. I've read about a writer who's using his iPad as his main computer:
https://www.macstories.net/stories/working-on-the-ipad-one-year-later-still-my-favorite-computer/

Using a MB Pro for web browsing and Word is like using a Bentley for getting beer at the corner store.
 
Seems like exactly what you'd make the most use out of, though -- long battery life, easy to carry, handles the tasks that you mentioned. I've read about a writer who's using his iPad as his main computer:
https://www.macstories.net/stories/working-on-the-ipad-one-year-later-still-my-favorite-computer/

Using a MB Pro for web browsing and Word is like using a Bentley for getting beer at the corner store.

I agree with that to an extent. However, on the flip side you are still getting an almost always reliable product that will stand the test of time in comparison to your average windows machine. Far less headaches for the average user, & as Steve put it "It just works."
 
Seems like exactly what you'd make the most use out of, though -- long battery life, easy to carry, handles the tasks that you mentioned. I've read about a writer who's using his iPad as his main computer:
https://www.macstories.net/stories/working-on-the-ipad-one-year-later-still-my-favorite-computer/

Using a MB Pro for web browsing and Word is like using a Bentley for getting beer at the corner store.

Yeah maybe if it was just for taking notes. But I am a grad student and will be writing 30 page research papers on my laptop. I will have multiple tabs open with different information and there is no way on earth that I will be as productive on a tablet. I want an actual, full-size, comfortable keyboard, a good and bigger screen and still be able to watch movies and use the laptop as an entertainment system.
 
Yeah maybe if it was just for taking notes. But I am a grad student and will be writing 30 page research papers on my laptop. I will have multiple tabs open with different information and there is no way on earth that I will be as productive on a tablet. I want an actual, full-size, comfortable keyboard, a good and bigger screen and still be able to watch movies and use the laptop as an entertainment system.


Great points.

MacStories is nicely done and Federico is a seemingly great guy, but his desire to prove that "work can be done just fine" with iPads is bordering on a cult/obsession.

I'm glad it works for him, and it's cool to see him push that boundary, but it's a super niche slice of work users that will find that workable, let alone preferable.
 
If you think it is niche I'd say you need to get out more. The tablet and smartphone have already replaced many computers and for most people they are the first device they turn to. For some services there are even only apps on those devices, they aren't for desktops/notebooks.
The computer (be it desktop, be it notebook) is only there for doing the things those devices can't do or for a prolonged time of doing things like typing (due to the keyboard and more ergonomic workspace (desk, chair, things at eye level, etc.)). My MBP 13" 2016 does those tasks perfectly and I can even see it replacing some desktop setups due to the Thunderbolt 3 ports.
 
I DO NOT like the 2016 MBP at all, neither the hardware configuration or accompanying MacOS software, which is why—despite being quite interested in truly upgrading from 2012—I'm sticking with the better MBP by most measures.
 
—I'm sticking with the better MBP by most measures.

Most measures? Name one.

Hint: It's not the ports, keyboard or battery life, because all are better on the new one.
[doublepost=1489528744][/doublepost]After several months, it's still one of the best computers I've ever used.

I won't repeat myself how the screen is great, or how I like the design, keyboard, trackpad, etc. If you like this new MBP, you know why you like it - it's obvious. If you don't, nothing I say will change that.

But here's a thing that surprised me: I really loved the MagSafe but I don't miss it. The ability to plug in from each side is just that great, as well as the ability to remove the cable from the charger entirely (makes packing easier).

As for the TouchBar it's good. It's not great, and not a reason to get this laptop, but I like having it. I use it for Photoshop mostly, there are some really nice things there. Also, it's useful in Safari and Mail. Sure, I could make keyboard shortcuts for most, if not all, things on the Touch Bar - but I don't think I would ever get myself to dedicate a weird cmd combination to, say, "Flip Horizontal" in Photoshop. And yet, I use this daily. I'm sure you can Archive and Delete mail without the Touch Bar, but this is one of the fastest ways to do it. I also like to swipe the tabs in Safari or seek videos. And I even prefer the press-and-slide volume controls on it to the old buttons (no, you don't need two presses, for those that somehow still think you do). As I said, it's nothing revolutionary - but I consider "touch" on laptops to be equally "good, not great", if not even less good. At least Touch Bar is optimized for what it's meant to do, while touch input almost never is on Windows.

Also, macOS keeps surprising me, even after all these years. Did you know that the Info screen (the CMD+I thing) lists Layers from a Photoshop file? Or that both Preview and Quick Look show OBJ files - in 3D (you can rotate and zoom them)?

Anyway - love this computer. It's amazing.
 
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Simple answer: no, not happy. Can not recommend.

Have a 15", 2.9GHz, 1TB, 460 . . . On the plus side, upgrading from a 2010 MBP custom, the screen is fantastic, footprint and weight greatly reduced.

Neutral side, like the ability to charge on either side, like the ports being uniform. Dongles, plugs, etc., not an issue as always have to have a plug for something . .

Negatives, too many to mention. The most recent s the replacement of the keyboard. Again. Touchbar is useless. Want my function keys, not have to touch two times that what only took one touch previously. And gone are the days of a couple of hour turn around at Apple. Every repair to date requires shipping the machine away to a repair centre for a week or more . . . Miss the MagSafe. Palm rejection is terrible, as is the touchpad the size of an aircraft carrier.

Under settings you can set the touch bar to represent the old functionality of the perfectly. Every key as was there on the models will be there again. I have mine set this way.
 
Nearly 5 months in and I've had no major issues with my non touch bar 13" Pro. Build quality is superb, screen is gorgeous and I've enjoyed typing on the new keyboard much more than any of my older 13" MacBook Pro's. The only thing I have noticed is a random, barely audible popping noise from somewhere in the keyboard from time to time and the volume up key needs more force than the others (only if it gets worse will I send it to Apple).

I do think the price was a bit high but I really do enjoy this laptop and if Apple drops the price I think it will be a much better value.
 
And another thing... I was wondering why I was enjoying using this MBP so much. Yes, the obvious things that show up on the stat line, size, weight, screen, speakers, etc. But there are lots of intangibles that are hard to quantify but add significantly to the overall experience. When I was using an XPS, the fan would come on at seemingly random times and way more than necessary. It was annoying, but I just accepted it as the cost of doing business. This MBP is always silent unless I'm actually taxing it (rarely). It stays cool. These are the little things that don't show up in specs but really adds to the refined experience. It's like the touchpad, not really something to brag about in specs, but really affects use of the laptop. I find myself wondering why I like this computer so much, and it's always little details like this that don't show up in specs. Just a well designed machine. Of course to each their own, different things matter to people. These are things I never thought of that would matter to me.

"You know what the funniest thing about MBP's is? It's the little differences." - Vincent Vega
 
...
I understand that its difficult to design, engineer and produce a product like the MacBook Pro, but for the love of god, the keyboard? Of all things that can be broken, why does the one thing that I take for granted should work, not work as advertised...
hear hear...This is exactly why I returned mine and went back to my trusty 2015 albeit with wobbly keys (the ESC key has fallen off now)...I hated the touch bar as well; gimmicky at best. I think Apple should just give up on computers, license OSX and stick to making iPhones, watches, apple TVs and iPads. This is my dream scenario.

Only two things are in the way...MBP and OSX licensing. Apple has already given up on the MacPro, iMac, Mac Mini etc....

Then I get to install OSX on T470, type away to my heart's content! ;-)
 
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...I hated the touch bar as well; gimmicky at best. I think Apple should just give up on computers, license OSX and stick to making iPhones, watches, apple TVs and iPads. This is my dream scenario.
"Gimmicky at BEST?" What is it at worst on your hyperbole scale?

Gonna go out on a long limb and say that most Mac owners don't want MacOS on a designed-by-HP computer. The hardware design is one of the main selling points on these beautiful Macs.
 
"Gimmicky at BEST?" What is it at worst on your hyperbole scale?

Gonna go out on a long limb and say that most Mac owners don't want MacOS on a designed-by-HP computer. The hardware design is one of the main selling points on these beautiful Macs.

Plenty of fish in the sea right now selling great hardware at excellent price points. Perhaps climb out of the walled garden once in a while....

"Going out on a long limb"...yeah that is right....There are not enough long limbs :)

I am not in for the hardware...I am only in for OSX.
 
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Ha, so the guy who claims it will cost $10K thinks someone else is trolling? This is silly. Cheap cables, adapters or hubs will work fine to do everything the older machines do. I don't know why you think these things aren't available.

Ummm..actually...that was my original point. I need a bag full of adapters or a dock to use anything with this computer. My alternative is to buy all new gear so that I don't have to carry around a bag of adapters or have a dock. I can't even use a USB key from someone else, which is de facto standard in my industry, without an adapter. And if I forget the adapters, as I did a few days ago at work, I'm screwed.

The reverse isn't true, no adapter or dock is going to give the older machines the power and flexibility of the new ports, not even close. Apple has maximized the efficiency of the ports.

Except when I have to restart he computer numerous times to get it to recognize my external monitors. Every. Single. Day. It think today it was three times in a row?

Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but I seem to be reading that it is not possible to run two monitors off of a dock through USB-C off of a MacBook, even if the dock has multiple monitor ports. I have found several things saying this is not possible, but haven't found anything official saying it is possible. If it is indeed not possible, while it apparently is possible on Windows machines, then Apple has absolutely not maximized the efficiency. I am awaiting the slew of docks to finally be released so I can get real answers.

Eh, you can get third party adapters. I saw a deal on amazon for 2 adapters for $6. These things are cheap. Anyway, I much prefer compatibility with a cheap adapter than being locked out of using a device entirely. Also, the entire industry is switching to USB C. It's not just an Apple thing.

Yes. I can definitely buy a slew of adapters. Or a dock. In fact, I have had to just to keep doing the most basic tasks. My point all along. And I have no problem with the switch to USB-C. But would it have really killed them to put just a single standard USB port on there for the time being so that I can do at least something without an adapter? Nah...that's not the Apple way.
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The touch bar is a complete waste. After having worked daily on this puppy for months, I still cannot find any non-gimmicky use for this thing.

That is one feature of this laptop that I like, even though it's buggy as hell. Download BetterTouchTool, and customize that thing per application and you can get some pretty powerful use out of it.
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Um, no. You do realize that there is a third and CHEAPER option? USB-X to USB-C cables. I got a USB-A to USB-C cable for $2 from MonoPrice.

Except I can't plug my mouse into that. Can't plug my X-Keys into that. Can't plug a standard USB key into that. Adapters required. Like I said. And buying new cables is the same thing as buying new adapters.
 
Ummm..actually...that was my original point. I need a bag full of adapters or a dock to use anything with this computer. My alternative is to buy all new gear so that I don't have to carry around a bag of adapters or have a dock. I can't even use a USB key from someone else, which is de facto standard in my industry, without an adapter. And if I forget the adapters, as I did a few days ago at work, I'm screwed.

Your original point was "there's no damn dock available yet to be able to plug in peripherals." Of course there are numerous docks, just not one that will do everything. And no, your alternative is obviously not to buy all-new gear, as you also suggested originally. You can get adapters, and if you have some peculiar allergy to adapters, you can get appropriate replacement cables instead in most cases.

If you're only running one of two monitors available to you, that's on you, not Apple. Even if you only have two ports, you can power your machine and drive two monitors in various ways. You can even do it from one port in many cases, depending on what ports your monitors have. See the discussion here for example:

http://apple.stackexchange.com/ques...evices-to-the-2016-macbook-pro-with-touch-bar

There is what appears to be a software limitation on daisy-chaining (apart from TB monitors), but the hardware seems to be there (so you can apparently daisy-chain in Boot Camp). If so, no doubt the software will match the hardware eventually. For now, you have options enough with two ports.

USB-C ports can't drive the same monitors TB3 ports can. The bandwidth isn't there.

If you have trouble remembering your USB-A adapter, keep one on a keychain or in your pocket. They're very portable.

Except when I have to restart he computer numerous times to get it to recognize my external monitors. Every. Single. Day. It think today it was three times in a row?

What monitors and what connections? You shouldn't be having this trouble. Most people don't. Generally it's a matter of matching the hardware to the right connectors.
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You don't think Apple has neglected the Mac Pro and Mac Mini?

Not what you said.

Whether not updating lately amounts to neglect depends on how much relevant technology has changed. For the Mac Pro, it hasn't changed enough to make the current model unable to efficiently perform. I don't know about the Mini.
 
I'm jumping the ship, 5th return and the new one going to bee a Lenovo T460s WQHD screen.
Sorry Apple but you have been losing me for 3 years.

Thanks! I love you folks that buy new and return - let's me pick up your sloppy seconds as an Apple Certified Refurb for 15% off :)
 
"Gimmicky at BEST?" What is it at worst on your hyperbole scale?

Gonna go out on a long limb and say that most Mac owners don't want MacOS on a designed-by-HP computer. The hardware design is one of the main selling points on these beautiful Macs.
There is a vibrant Mac x86 community for the past decade. My first official Mac OS X computer was a hackintosh back in 2006. I couldn't afford a Mac back then, but really wanted to experience OS X and this was the only way to do it. You would be surprised how influential running macOS on non-certified Apple hardware can be. You like the OS so much, but get tired of all the tweaking; sooner or later, you end buying the real deal. That was the case for me. I bought my first Mac in 2015.

There are those who will never pay the price for the real deal though and are just as happy with it running on an HP Elitebook as they would on a 13 inch MBP.

Make no mistake though, the best experience is on a Mac.
 
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